As the saying goes: if you're good enough, the NFL will find you. While the NFL Draft is loaded with FBS players, the FCS typically gets double-digit draft picks while hundreds more get opportunities with undrafted free agent deals or rookie camp invites.
It's tough to consider FCS players hidden gems anymore with the success of guys like running back David Johnson, quarterback Carson Wentz and rookie linebacker Darius Leonard, who leads the league in tackles.
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The truth is there is a ton of NFL talent in this subdivision and a lot of players are on the radars of scouts. So who are the top prospects at each offensive position?
We've got the answer with the assist going to NFL Draft Scout, who does a great job updating their rankings and gives good insight on FCS prospects not only in the 2019 draft but also the 2020 draft.
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Quarterback
Easton Stick, North Dakota State – 22nd Ranked QB
Some detractors assume Stick is attracting NFL attention because of Wentz's success. However, scouts have recognized Stick's arm strength, athleticism and ability to read a defense pre-snap and post-snap. Stick doesn't have huge numbers (60-107, 974 yards, 10 TDs, 1 INT., 7 rushing TDs), but some of his far hash to opposite sideline throws are examples of what entices NFL teams.
Northern Colorado's Jacob Knipp entered this season No. 14 overall but suffered his third-straight season-ending injury in September.
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Running Back
Bruce Anderson, NDSU – 19th Ranked RB
Anderson's terrific 2017 postseason has continued into this season. The preseason All-American has shown the toughness in between the tackles and also the speed in the open field with a good frame at 5-foot-11 and 210 pounds. This season, he's rushed for 522 yards on 74 carries for three touchdowns along with six catches for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Anderson also serves as the team's kick returner with a career average of 26.3 yards per return and two touchdowns.
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Fullback
Joe Protheroe, Cal Poly – 8th Ranked FB
Protheroe got a second chance at his senior season after a knee injury sidelined him last year. He's the premiere back in Cal Poly's triple option and a prototypical NFL fullback with size (5-foot-11, 230 pounds) and athleticism. After rushing for more than 1,300 yards in 2016, Protheroe is averaging a career-high 131.3 yards per game this year with eight touchdowns.
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Tight End
Logan Parker, Southern Utah – 19th Ranked TE
Parker gained a lot of attention as his senior season hit this year. At 6-foot-4 and 251 pounds, he was a big threat in the passing game last season with 43 receptions for 560 yards and five scores. He's battled injuries in 2018, which has impacted his production. Parker totals nine catches for 105 yards.
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Wide Receiver
Emmanuel Butler, Northern Arizona – 6th Ranked WR
Butler is the No. 1 overall NFL Draft prospect in the FCS and for good reason. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound senior is back from a 2017 injury and has 494 yards off just 27 catches (18.3 avg.) and four touchdowns. In NAU's FBS game versus UTEP, Butler caught six passes for 138 yards and two scores. He's gone over 1,000 yards receiving in a season twice (2015 and 2016) and has 11 100-plus yard games in his career.
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Offensive Guard
Olisaemeka Udoh, Elon – 12th Ranked OG
Udoh is in his fourth year starting for the Phoenix. He's certainly got the size at 6-foot-5, 336 pounds. Udoh is reliable at the right tackle spot for Elon (No. 73 in the video above), but NFL scouts like him better as a guard.
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Offensive Tackle
Daniel Cooney, San Diego – 23rd Ranked OT
Cooney is in a non-scholarship conference but is as good as it gets on the offensive line in the FCS. He stands 6-foot-8 and weighs 315 pounds. Cooney has started for the Toreros, who've had success in recent years sending players to the NFL, since his sophomore year in 2016. Don't let the non-scholarship fool you, Cooney did have FBS interest in high school. But as an Illinois native, why wouldn't you want to live in San Diego?
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Kicker
Griffin Trau, Richmond – 13th Ranked K
Trau entered this season with an 85.4 field goal percentage (27-35) with a long of 45. So far in 2018, he's 10-13 while also making 15 of 16 extra points. He's come in clutch throughout his career, hitting a game-winning field goal in the 2016 playoffs to upset seventh-seeded North Dakota and added two more game-winners last year against Albany and No. 25 Colgate.
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Note: No centers were listed on NFL Draft Scout's rankings.
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